BUSINESS - Page 2

EV Makers Face Autonomous-Tech Crackdown at Shanghai Auto Show 2025

The Shanghai Auto Show, kicking off this week from April 23 to May 2, is set to be a battleground for over 70 Chinese and international automotive brands showcasing more than 100 new or refreshed models. As the world’s premier market for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, China’s auto industry is under intense scrutiny, with a government crackdown on autonomous driving technology claims stealing the spotlight. The clampdown follows a fatal crash involving Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan in March, prompting regulators

Volkswagen Starts 2025 Strong: Q1 Deliveries Up 1.4%, Fueled by Global Demand

Volkswagen, the German automotive giant, has kicked off 2025 with a modest yet encouraging uptick in its first-quarter deliveries, reporting a 1.4% increase compared to last year. The company delivered 2.13 million vehicles worldwide, underscoring its resilience in a competitive and ever-evolving global market. This growth, announced on April 9, 2025, was bolstered by positive performances across nearly all regions except for China, where deliveries declined. The achievement reflects Volkswagen’s ability to navigate complex market dynamics, leveraging demand in key

The Future of Business: Key Trends Driving Success in 2025

As businesses continue to adapt to an ever-changing global landscape, 2025 is set to bring significant transformations across industries. Emerging technologies, shifts in consumer behavior, and sustainability concerns will play a crucial role in shaping the future of commerce. Here are some key business trends expected to dominate in 2025. 1. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence and Automation Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are poised to become even more integrated into business operations. Companies will increasingly use AI-driven analytics, chatbots,

Declining Sales: Tesla’s China-Made EVs Reach New Lows

The world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer is struggling against local competitors in the largest car market, as sales of its China-made vehicles hit record lows. On Wednesday, the company announced a subsidy for buyers of its Shanghai-produced Model 3 sedan—already one of the country’s priciest cars—in an effort to strengthen its position in the fiercely competitive market. This incentive marks the first move in what Tesla is calling its “Year of the Snake.” The American EV giant faces intense rivalry

Airbus Expects More Jet Deliveries in 2025, Cites Additional Charges

On Monday, European aerospace giant Airbus (AIR.PA) highlighted short-term production challenges and announced a delay in its A350 freighter program. Despite these setbacks, the company expects a 7% increase in deliveries this year, aiming for around 820 jets while addressing ongoing issues in its space and defense sectors. Airbus recorded an additional charge of 300 million euros ($312.84 million) for its struggling Space division, bringing the total financial hit over several years to nearly 2 billion euros. The latest charges

Honda Willing to Reopen Takeover Talks Pending Nissan CEO Uchida’s Exit

Honda Motor (7267.T) is prepared to resume talks with Nissan (7201.T) about creating the world’s fourth-largest automaker, provided Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida steps down, according to a report from the Financial Times on Tuesday, citing a source familiar with the discussions. The two Japanese companies had initially announced plans to collaborate last year, but the project fell apart due to tensions over the power dynamics within the new entity, as well as Honda’s proposal for Nissan to become a subsidiary.

McDonald’s Faces Steepest U.S. Sales Slump Since Pandemic Era

McDonald’s last saw a decline in sales nearly five years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its latest earnings suggest many customers still haven’t fully returned. On Monday, the fast-food giant reported a larger-than-expected drop in fourth-quarter U.S. comparable sales, impacted by cautious consumer spending and a brief E. coli outbreak. Sales in its largest market, the U.S., fell 1.4%—the steepest decline since the pandemic forced restaurants to limit operations to drive-thru and delivery. Analysts had predicted a smaller 0.4%

Exxon Tops Q4 Expectations as Oil and Gas Output Climbs

On Friday, U.S. oil giant Exxon Mobil surpassed Wall Street’s expectations for fourth-quarter profits, driven by increased oil and gas production despite lower prices and weaker refining margins. The company reported earnings of $7.39 billion, or $1.67 per share, exceeding analyst projections of $1.56 per share, according to LSEG data. Exxon’s record-breaking output in the booming Permian Basin, supported by low production costs, contributed to its strong performance. Additionally, its highly profitable projects in Guyana helped sustain robust natural gas

Tesla Backs Legal Fight Against EU Tariffs on Chinese EVs

A U.S.-based company and Chinese manufacturers are locked in a legal dispute that could significantly impact the EV market. Their collaborative efforts reflect a shared opposition to the EU’s trade measures, which stem from the Commission’s findings that Chinese EV manufacturers benefit from substantial government subsidies, enabling them to compete unfairly in the European market. If these challenges succeed, they could reduce profits and competitiveness in the European EV sector, potentially hindering progress toward ambitious climate targets. Industry insiders told

Puma Shares Drop Over 18% Following Disappointing Q4 Results

Puma shares plunged more than 18% on Thursday after the German sportswear company reported weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter sales and a decline in annual profit. The results, released late Wednesday, have raised concerns about Puma’s ability to compete with larger rivals Adidas and Nike. The weak performance contrasts sharply with Adidas’ recent report of strong sales and profitability, underscoring the challenges Puma faces in gaining a larger share of the $400 billion global sportswear market. On a currency-adjusted basis, Puma’s quarterly sales